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The former US president’s newest warning to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a method of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.